Bolivar returns as Dragons manager for third straight season

Rather than a call-up, Luis Bolivar welcomes another round as the Dayton Dragons manager.

The Cincinnati Reds made that official by assigning Bolivar to Dayton for a third consecutive season. The parent club announced all its minor-league managers and coaching staffs on Wednesday.

“I’m very excited,” Bolivar said. “I love being here and it’s a good franchise. I’m close to home. I’m glad to see all the talent come through here. We’re going to keep working hard and I’m ready to go.”

Bolivar remains the ninth manager since the Dragons debuted in 2000. Only Donnie Scott (two stints, five combined seasons) has been the Dragons’ manager more seasons.

Bolivar also is the most entrenched combination of player, coach and manager in Dragons history. He was the Dragons hitting coach from 2014-16 under former managers Jose Nieves and Dick Schofield. He also played for the Dragons for two seasons and was a Midwest League All-Star in 2004.

Mahar is back for his third season and Etherton will be in his second year.

Devereaux was the hitting coach for the Reds’ Double-A affiliate in Pensacola, Florida, last season. An outfielder who spent most of 12 major-league seasons with the Orioles, Devereaux was a minor-league coach with the Rockies from 2012-17 and Orioles from 2010-11.

Daryle Ward, the Dragons’ hitting coach the past two seasons, will be assigned to another Reds’ minor-league team.

The Dragons, 58-80 overall last season, open their Class A Midwest League season on Thursday, April 4 by hosting the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field.

Luis Bolivar (left) will return for his third straight season as the Dayton Dragons minor-league baseball manager. DRAGONS CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Dragons’ roster will be announced following spring training at Goodyear, Arizona. Pitchers and catchers will report first to most spring-training facilities on Feb. 12-13. Bolivar will report to spring training on March 5 for the start of minor-league camp.